President Erdoğan officially inaugurates new presidential palace in northern Cyprus

LEFKOŞA — President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was received with a formal state ceremony by President Ersin Tatar of Northern Cyprus upon his arrival in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to inaugurate the newly completed Republic Campus.

The official welcome took place at the new Presidential Complex, where both leaders took their places for the national anthem, following which President Erdoğan inspected the ceremonial guard of honor.

Immediately after the official proceedings, the leaders proceeded to the inauguration ceremony of the Republic Campus. Prior to the ribbon-cutting, both Tatar and Erdoğan delivered speeches highlighting the significance of the project.

In his address, Ersin Tatar expressed his pleasure in hosting Erdoğan and his delegation, noting the profound significance of the new campus for the TRNC.

“We have gathered today to inaugurate a landmark of great importance,” Tatar stated. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Republic of Turkey for this meaningful contribution. This campus will stand for centuries as a monument symbolizing our independence and freedom.”

Reflecting on the struggles of the Turkish Cypriot people, Tatar remarked: “Our people have overcome great hardships to establish their state and republic. Now, this 500-dönüm area, gifted by the Republic of Turkey and housing the Presidential Complex, the Republic Assembly, the Supreme Court, and a National Park stretching to the Metehan Border Gate, has become a new symbol of the TRNC.”

Tatar concluded by reiterating his thanks to President Erdoğan for his continued support.

In his remarks, President Erdoğan emphasized his pride in visiting the TRNC on such a meaningful occasion.

“Today, we leave another lasting mark on these lands,” Erdoğan declared. “We are not merely inaugurating a facility—we are proclaiming our will, determination, and love for freedom. This project is a monumental achievement for the Turkish Cypriot people.”

Erdoğan highlighted the scale and ambition of the Republic Campus Project, launched in 2022, which spans 639,475 square meters and includes the Presidential Office, the Republic Assembly, the Supreme Court, and a public park.

He noted that the first phase includes the opening of the Presidential Office and Assembly building, with future openings planned for the People’s Park, a national mosque, and the Supreme Court.

Calling the campus a symbol of determination, Erdoğan added: “This complex represents the resolve of the Turkish Cypriot people and the manifestation of a state's will to exist in the face of injustice. It is also a testament to the unbreakable bond between Turkey and the TRNC.”

He reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting the TRNC in every field—from ending unjust isolation to enhancing ties with the broader Turkic world—and thanked all who contributed to the project, including Turkey’s Housing Development Administration (TOKİ).

“We will continue building on this strong foundation with new achievements,” Erdoğan said. “Turkey, as in the past, stands ready to support the TRNC now and always.”

The inauguration concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held in front of the new Presidential Building, attended by dignitaries and officials from both nations.